White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will depart her position at the end of August to focus on her family while continuing to advise President Trump from outside the administration, a move announced Wednesday that leaves the critical communications role vacant just months before the midterm elections.
Historic Tenure Comes to Close
Leavitt made history as the youngest White House press secretary ever, starting the role at age 27 when President Trump began his second term. Now 28, she served through some of the administration’s most intense periods before giving birth to her second child, a daughter, in May. After returning from maternity leave, she concluded she could not balance the demanding role with being the mother she wanted to be for her two young children.
President Trump praised her service in a Truth Social post Wednesday, calling her one of his most trusted aides and one of the best press secretaries in the office’s history. He emphasized his complete understanding and respect for her decision to prioritize family time while maintaining her role as a top outside adviser and influential Republican Party voice heading into the critical midterm elections.
Family Over Position
Leavitt explained her difficult choice in her own statement, saying she felt in her heart that she could not be the best mother her children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention the press secretary position demands. She described the decision as bittersweet but necessary for this new chapter in her life. She thanked Trump for the opportunity to serve in the high-profile role and committed to remaining a vocal advocate for the MAGA movement and Republican Party.
What Comes Next
The White House has not announced who will replace Leavitt or who will handle interim briefings during the transition. Her departure comes less than three months before midterm elections, a crucial period when the administration typically ramps up its messaging efforts. Leavitt has worked with Trump since 2018, including serving on his historic 2024 re-election campaign. Trump said she will continue as one of his top outside advisers, working to help Republicans defy historical patterns and win the upcoming midterm contests decisively.